Tensions between Cronulla and Brisbane have reached boiling point after the Sharks responded to Wayne Bennett's "false and misleading" criticism of their handling of Jack Bird.

A livid Bennett pointed the finger of blame at the Sharks after $3.5 million signing Bird was told to undergo a shoulder reconstruction by Broncos medical staff on Thursday, putting him in serious doubt for March's NRL season opener.

Bennett accused Cronulla of not passing on any medical information and claimed the Sharks told Brisbane that Bird's 2017 end of season scan results indicated he did not require an operation for his chronic shoulder problem.

Cronulla returned serve on Saturday, saying they kept Brisbane in the loop over Bird, player welfare was their priority and they were adamant the NSW State of Origin star would not have gone under the knife if he had remained with the club.

"The comments made with regards to the Sharks sweeping a player's injury under the carpet are misleading and false," the Sharks statement read.

"Following the Sharks elimination from the final series, Jack underwent the standard exit medical assessment with Sharks medical staff on September 14.